Clapper Chatter

Clapper Chatter
W i s c o n s i n , S o u t h D a k o ta , N o r t h D a k o ta , M i n n e s o ta , M a n i t o b a
Volume 26 | Issue 1 | February 2012
From the desk of Are a 7’s Chair...
Ring in the New Year!
By Lori Potter
New ND SAC – Mark Zuern
s I write this article, we have just said goodbye to
2011 and welcomed the New Year 2012. A new year
should bring new ideas, new habits (preferably good),
and new things. One of my new things is snow shoeing.
Currently they are still in the plastic wrap in the garage
as you need snow for this activity. Maybe by the time the
Clapper Chatter is published I will have taken my maiden
voyage. I don’t really enjoy the snow and cold, but my
sister encouraged me to “embrace the season.”
Please welcome Mark Zuern as the new North Dakota
Sub-Area Chair for the Handbell Musicians of America
Area 7. Mark Zuern is from Hazen, ND. He has been
ringing handbells for 20 years. Shortly after Mark’s church
obtained a set of bells, he decided to try ringing as it
looked like fun. He was hooked and is still ringing with
the same choir. Mark has attended several workshops
and camps from Florida to Hawaii and Alaska to the
Caribbean. When Mark is not busy ringing bells around
the world, he keeps busy with two jobs in town. Mark is
retired from farming, but still lives on the farm. According
to Mark, the country life is nice and quiet.
In my handbell world I’m going to introduce ensemble
and bell tree ringing to my high school group. How
about you? What new things will you bring to your
group(s)? Will it be new music, a new ringing level, a
new technique?
This summer we will be celebrating our organization’s
new name and logo at our biennial Handbell Festival
Conference in Duluth, MN. Many of you attended the
National Festival in Minneapolis last summer but have
never attended our Area 7 Festival Conference. Why not
make this a new event to attend. I guarantee you will not
be disappointed.
The Festival Conference schedule has been revised so
there are no rehearsals after dinner. There has not been
an increase in the registration fee. The Agape Ringers,
from the Chicago area, under the direction of David Weck,
one of our festival conductors, will be the Showcase
Choir. These fine and talented ringers will also offer their
expertise teaching new and challenging classes. MornaJune Morrow, from the Canadian Guild, will also be
teaching and sharing her talents.
So as you “ring” in the New Year with new resolutions,
resolve to try something new in your handbell and
personal life. And…I’ll see you in Duluth!
Non-Members and Unused Bells
Do you know churches/organizations with handbell
groups that are not members of Handbell Musicians of
America? Are you aware of a church/organization that
has handbells but is currently not using them? Please
send their names and any contact information to Lori
Potter – we'd like to connect and become a resource
for them.
Please Share this Newsletter
Please forward/share this newsletter with your choir
members so they, too, can enjoy it and stay informed of
Area 7 and National events. Photo by Kurt Glenn
A
2 | February 2012 Clapper Chatter
K e y D e ta i l s for the
2012 Festival Conference
{ F estival Conference will be held Thursday, June 28
through Sunday afternoon, July 1
{ Registration website at http://festival.areaviiagehr.org
{ T
his festival will be at the Duluth Entertainment and
Conference Center in Duluth, Minnesota
{ Registration fee: $210 per Participant
(Ringers & Directors)
{ John Behnke and David Weck will be our Clinicians
{ $150 for Chaperones & Non-Ringers
{ S
howcase Choir will be The Agape Ringers from
Chicago, IL, under the direction of David Weck
{ Fee includes ALL festival activities, 1 dinner, 3 lunches,
a festival T-shirt and commemorative pin
{ Register EARLY for first pick of festival classes
{ Additional fees apply for Bronze Plus or Conference
Choir participation, and craft classes
{ D
eadline: April 1st for initial registration submission
& deposits paid
{ A
ll payments due and registration changes STOP
on May 1st
{ Final Concert: Sunday, July 1st, 1:30 p.m. Open to the
public. Spread the word!
Who can apply for a Clista Wood Memorial Scholarship?
Everyo n e!
A r e a 7 B oa r d
Chair
Lori Potter
chair@area7.handbellmusicians.org
Chair-Elect
Sandy Mullaney
chairelect@area7.handbellmusicians.org
Past Chair
Al Marquardt
pastchair@area7.handbellmusicians.org
Secretary
Judi Morton
secretary@area7.handbellmusicians.org
Treasurer
Brenda Barta
treasurer@area7.handbellmusicians.org
Publications Manager
Linnea Fitzpatrick
editor@area7.handbellmusicians.org
Chime Representative
Ruth Immerfall
chime@area7.handbellmusicians.org
Membership Coordinator
JoBeth Ranfranz
membership@area7.handbellmusicians.org
Events Coordinator
Alanna Teragawa
events@area7.handbellmusicians.org
Youth Events Planner
Sean Johnson
youthevents@area7.handbellmusicians.org
Historian
Dan Ahlman
historian@area7.handbellmusicians.org
North Dakota Sub-Area Chair
Mark Zuern
ndakota@area7.handbellmusicians.org
South Dakota Sub-Area Chair
Pat Penn
sdakota@area7.handbellmusicians.org
Northern Minnesota Sub-Area Chair
Kevin Edstrom
minnesotanorth@area7.handbellmusicians.org
Southern Minnesota Sub-Area Chair
Ann Flisrand
minnesotasouth@area7.handbellmusicians.org
Twin Cities Metro Sub-Area Chair
Mary Yerks
twincities@area7.handbellmusicians.org
Area 7 Website
area7.handbellmusicians.org
Northern Wisconsin Sub-Area Chair
Sue Retzlaff
wisconsinnorth@area7.handbellmusicians.org
Southern Wisconsin Sub-Area Chair
Mark Bloedow
wisconsinsouth@area7.handbellmusicians.org
Website Administrator
Paul McKlveen
webadmin@area7.handbellmusicians.org
Festival Conference 2012 Chair
Anita Fraundorf
festivalchair@area7.handbellmusicians.org
Festival Conference 2012 Registrar
Trevor Lee
registrar@area7.handbellmusicians.org
Clapper Chatter February 2012 | 3
Register for the 2012 Festival Conference!
By Anita Fraundorf
B
y the end of today (January 1), there are only 178 days
until Area 7’s next Festival Conference in Duluth, MN!
It may be wintery right now but those warm summer days
by the shores of Gitchi Gummi (“Big Water” – Lake Superior)
will be here soon. I hope you are planning to join us June
28-July 1, 2012!
How can you join us, you ask? By bringing your full choir, a
partial choir (and offering open spots to “orphan” ringers),
or being an “orphan” ringer yourself! If you’ve never been to
a Festival, now is the time to try one. Or if you’ve been to 20
festivals, now is the time to come back. We have the Agape
Ringers (Chicago, IL) as our showcase choir and multiple
(new) class instructors. A reading session with music by our
Repertoire for 2012 Festival
MASSED
Entrata Esultante, Morris, Red River Music RRHB0009, L3,
3-5 oct, opt brass (Used in St. Cloud in 2000)
Jamaican Melody, Behnke, Agape MHP2232, L3, 3-5 oct
Prelude on Thaxted, Helman, AGEHR AG36054, L3, 3-6 oct
When In Our Music God Is Glorified, Sherman, Agape
2414, L3-, 3-6 oct, opt organ, brass, SATB
Tins
I’m Just A Poor Wayfaring Stranger, Waldrop, Agape 2343,
L2-, 3-5 oct
Will You Come and Follow Me, Nelson, AGEHR G35289, L3,
3-5 oct, opt C inst or voice, Mendelssohn
Coppers
I Waited for the Lord, Thompson, GIA 7364, L3-, 3-5 oct ,
opt 2 C Instruments or voice
How Majestic Is Your Name, Smith/Hakes, Lorenz
20/1515L, L3, 3 or 5 oct
Coppers +
Rondo Giocoso, Hakes, Choristers Guild CGB 680, L3+,
3-5 oct
When Morning Gilds the Skies, Behnke, Augsburg
800674863, L3, 3-5 oct (Used in La Crosse in 2002)
Bronze
Toccata Allegro, Hall, etc., Jeffers JHS9450, L4, 4-6 oct
(used in Anthornis 2010)
It Came Upon the Midnight Clear, Sherman, Agape 1867,
L5, 3-5 oct
very own Area 7 composers and arrangers will be featured
as well.
The schedule has been adjusted so that there are no long
day/late night rehearsals, allowing more free time to enjoy
the sights and sounds of Duluth or to kick back with your
ringing friends. Thursday after dinner (on your own) is a
Massed Rehearsal, Friday night is our group dinner with the
showcase choir concert. Saturday night is our free night!
The final concert is Sunday afternoon at 1:30.
A word about our hotels:
The Holiday Inn is downtown with Skywalk connections
to the DECC (about a 10 minute walk). Breakfast is not
included but you are welcome to bring your own food, eat
at a vendor in the Holiday Mall, or buy something from the
kiosk at the DECC.
The Inn on Lake Superior is in Canal Park, right on the lake
and Lakewalk (boardwalk), and has breakfast (and evening
s’mores at the firepits on their deck!). It is a 10 minute walk
(outside) to the DECC.
The Edgewater (on the Lakewalk but an easier drive to
the DECC) has an indoor waterpark, outdoor pool, and
breakfast. Our assigned rooms are in the addition across the
street from the main hotel but all features are included in
this great price! A fun, family get-away spot!
Parking is available in the DECC lot for $5/day with no limit
on in and out trips.
Festival Registration is only available online and
ringers will choose the classes they wish to attend. Go to:
http://festival.areaviiagehr.org to read the registration
information and sign up today! Each individual will receive
their personal schedule in the registration packet at the
festival registration table at the DECC in June.
“And a great time was had by all…”
(A future quote on July 1, 2012, 4:00 pm) 4 | February 2012 Clapper Chatter
Meet the Candidates
T
he slate of candidates for the upcoming election of
the new Area 7 Handbell Musicians of America Board
of Directors has been announced. Read all about them
in the biographies and photos for the candidates and
the positions for which they are running. Please consider
them thoughtfully and make your selections on the ballot
enclosed in this issue of the Clapper Chatter.
The election results will be announced at the Festival
Conference in Duluth in June. The new officers will begin
their duties on October 1st of this year.
Please note the ballots need to be returned via mail
by May 12, 2012, and please vote! Thank you for
your participation in this very important right of your
membership in the Handbell Musicians of America!
Candidates for CHAIR-ELECT:
Darcy Reich has been active in
handbells for the past 32 years at
Community Presbyterian Church
in Grand Rapids, MN. She began as
a ringer in the adult choir and by
1990 was director of the handbell
program. She is currently the
Director of Music at the church. She
directs three handbell choirs and
also serves as organist.
Darcy and her handbell choirs have been active participants
in a number of Area 7 handbell events. She served as the
Northern Minnesota Area Chair from 1991-1996 and as
Secretary from 1998-2002. She also served as registrar for
the 1994 Festival Conference in Bemidji and co-chair for the
2000 Festival Conference in St. Cloud. She was also co-chair
of the High School Handbell Happening for a number of
years with Deedee Odell.
As a retired elementary music teacher, Darcy now enjoys
accompanying a number of the area middle and high
school choirs. She also volunteers at the local food bank
and with the church’s Presbyterian Women. At home she
enjoys reading, as well as crocheting prayer shawls and
making counted cross-stitch bibs.
Darcy looks forward to the opportunity to once again serve
on the Area 7 Board.
Jennifer Cadwell started ringing
handbells in 1987 and has played in
ensembles in Rochester, Des Moines,
St. Louis, San Francisco, and the
Twin Cities. She holds a Bachelor
and Masters degree in flute/piccolo
performance.
Jennifer is the Director of the
Handbell Program at the University
of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN and
directs the children’s and youth music ensembles at
Centennial United Methodist Church in Roseville. She
currently rings with Bells of the Lakes in the Twin Cities.
Jennifer is also an active clinician at local, area, and national
handbell events and is excited about the opportunity to
serve on the Area 7 Board.
Candidates for SECRETARY:
Judi Morton began ringing bells
in 1982 and started directing youth
groups in 1983. Currently, she
directs an adult and a youth group
at Glenwood Lutheran Church in
Glenwood, MN. She has organized
several small handbell workshops
in Central Minnesota and provided
mentoring to other groups’
beginning handbell programs. She
has attended and taught classes at festivals and other Guild
events. Judi has done extensive solo ringing since 1986
including worship services, programs for church and secular
organizations, weddings, banquets, and concerts. When
not ringing bells, she plays flute at contemporary worship
services most Sundays.
Judi was appointed as the Newsletter Editor in 2000 and
was delighted to have served until October 2011. She was
honored to be appointed interim Secretary in early 2011
and now nominated as a candidate. She looks forward to
continued service to the handbell community.
Judi majored in Business Administration at Southwest
Minnesota State University and is currently an accountant
at a manufacturing company near Alexandria. She and her
husband own a farm near Glenwood.
Clapper Chatter Jill Post graduated from Concordia
College in Moorhead, MN with a
double major in Public School Music
and English. After several years
as a band director, choir director,
and elementary and general music
teacher; she stayed home to rear her
four children.
In 1986 Jill began an 18-year stretch
as the Director of Music at First United Methodist Church
in Fargo, ND. During her tenure at First United she enrolled
in a graduate music degree program with a conducting
emphasis at Minnesota State University Moorhead. She also
has been the director of the Fargo-Moorhead Area Music
Club womens’ chorus, the Noteables, for 29 years.
In 2007, Jill was asked to assemble a community handbell
choir to perform with the Fargo-Moorhead Symphony
Orchestra for the Holiday Pops concerts. BELLissimo, the
extraordinary group she gathered, have continued to
rehearse and perform for special occasions. Most recently
they participated in a joint Christmas concert with the
Noteables, where Jill wrote some of the arrangements for
both groups to perform together.
Jill served as the Interim Director of Music at First
Presbyterian Church in Fargo in 2007-2008, and began
directing their bell choir. She continues in that capacity as
well as directing the St. Andrew’s Brass ensemble.
Jill is married to Greg, and they have four children and
six (soon to be seven) grandchildren. She enjoys her
grandchildren, downhill skiing, snorkeling, playing clarinet
in the Lake Agassiz Concert Band, reading, and almost every
kind of music.
February 2012 | 5
Candidates for TREASURER:
Brenda Barta will soon be finishing
her first term as the Area 7 Treasurer.
She would like to continue to serve a
second term.
Brenda has actively participated in
bell choirs for over 30 years. In high
school she rang with the Wesley
Bell Ringers in Salt Lake City, UT.
She is one of the remaining charter
members in the Jubilate Ringers at
River Hills United Methodist Church in Burnsville, MN.
An accountant by trade, Brenda’s career has taken her
to various corporate accounting and finance functions.
She finds the Area’s method of keeping the books to be
interesting and challenging.
Jean Schueller has been ringing
handbells for almost 15 years. She
started out with the Ecumenibells at
the Wesley and Albright Methodist
churches in Marshall, MN. She
started ringing and directing when
her home church, Holy Redeemer
Catholic Church, purchased a 3
octave set of handbells. She also
directs a children’s chime choir
as she continues to ring with
the Ecumenibells and sub for the handbell choir at First
Lutheran Church.
Jean also directs the vocal choir at Holy Redeemer Church
and is a member of the Prairie Arts Chorale. She has
been employed by H & B Payroll Solutions for the past 32
years handling payroll and accounts receivable for area
businesses. These candidates have weighed their membership options.
They boldly stepped into the arena to serve their Area.
Take the time to read their bios and vote by the due date.
{ VOTE { VOTE { VOTE { VOTE { by May 1, 2012 {
6 | February 2012 Clapper Chatter
MUSIC THEORY.aargh©
The Modes
Comparing the Aeolian Mode with the Minor Scale (Session 6)
By Dr. Ona Pinsonneault
L
et’s consider a composition of William Billings (17461800) who is widely regarded as the father of American
choral music. A publication called The New-England PsalmSinger from 1770 contains the work titled “When Jesus
Wept.” The “tonic” of this publication is F#. The scale uses
the pitches F#, G#, A, B, C#, D, E, F#. The half steps are
between G# and A (2 and 3) and C# and D (5 and 6). This
is the mode called Aeolian. The identification of the scale
arrangement would be “F# Aeolian.” (See Clapper Chatter,
August 2011, for more information on the modes.)
Now, you might say that this looks like F# Minor, and you
would be right. When a composer intends to use the Minor
scale, there are some additional pitches that are included
in the scale. These pitches are an alteration of the existing
spellings of scale degrees 6 and 7. The scale then contains
two spellings of these pitches; 6, raised 6, 7, and raised
7. (An accidental will be used to raise the pitch, such as a
natural, sharp, or double sharp. These pitches are not given
in the key signature.) The composer chooses when to use
each spelling. Generally in harmony, the raised 7 will be
used instead of 7; and when the melody leads from 5, to
6, to 7, to 8, the raised 6 and 7 will be used. In “When Jesus
Wept” raised 6 would be D# and raised 7 would be E#.
There are no uses of these two pitches so we conclude that
Billings intended the composition to sound “modal” rather
than “minor.”
Until next time,
Dr. P
January 2012
Clapper Chatter Road trip!!
High School Handbell
Happening 2012
By Alanna Teragawa
ring your older youth ringers to St. Cloud, MN, where
Salem Lutheran Church will once again host this
energizing event April 14th. While it’s designed for 8th to
12th graders, directors can use their discretion to include
others. Note: You do not have to bring a full choir to
participate in HHH! The selected repertoire can be played
and rehearsed during the year. Purchase and rehearse the
music and come to HHH ready to refine it with the clinician.
HHH starts with a 10:30 a.m. check-in, a couple classes
before lunch, lunch on your own (usually bring a bag lunch),
and massed rehearsals in the afternoon. After an early pizza
dinner (provided), a free public concert is performed at 5:30
p.m. Full participating choirs are encouraged to perform
one or two solo pieces as well.
Contact either Sean Johnson, the Area Youth Event Planner,
YouthEvents@Area7.HandbellMusicians.org or the event
registrar, host and Area Chair, Lori Potter, Chair@Area7.
HandbellMusicians.org, 320-248-3020 with any questions.
Updates to this event can be found on the Area website.
B
February 2012 | 7
Meet the clinician: Monica S. McGowan
took her music education background
and found her life’s passion in handbells.
More than a quarter century later, she is a
ringer, director, clinician, and conductor.
Whether it’s for Handbell Musicians of
America, the International Music Camp,
festivals, conferences or workshops,
Artistic Director for Twin Cities Bronze, or as the Master
Bell Technician at Ringing Restorations; McGowan brings
her extensive training, experience, and enthusiasm for
handbells and handchimes to every forum and venue. Repertoire for HHH
Jesus We Want to Meet, Peery, AGEHR AG35064, L3+, 3-5
oct, opt perc
Exuberant Joy, Sherman, Choristers Guild CBG427, L2,
3-5 oct
Love Divine, All Loves Excelling, Raney, Hope 2508, L3,
3-5 oct
A Simple Dance, Glasgow, Choristers Guild CGB637 or
638, L2+, 2-3 oct, 4-6 oct, opt violin
Regional Opportunities
Handbell Choir Director Position
Handbell Director position available at Peace Lutheran
Church, New London, MN. Rehearsals are Wednesday
evenings from 5:30-6:30. Play at services once a month
and for special occasions. Monetary compensation for this
position. Contact Pastor Alan Bjorklund at 320-354-2774.
Director’s Opening
First Presbyterian Church, St. Cloud, MN is looking for a
Handbell Director. If you are interested, please call Marsha
at the church office 320-251-8277 for more information or
send your resume to First Presbyterian Church, 373 - 4th
Ave S, St. Cloud MN 56301.
Reminder: For up-to-date
information on opportunities,
events, and news from our area,
check with the Area 7 website at
area7.handbellmusicians.org
8 | February 2012 KidsRing – 2012
By Alanna Teragawa
M
ake plans now to attend KidsRing 2012! Typically about
80 ringers attend this annual event, filled with fun and
learning, and the date is set for April 28. The event is geared
toward ringers in grades 4 to 8, but directors can use their
discretion to include others.
The selected repertoire can be used throughout your
entire year. Purchase the music and come to the event
with it prepared for refining by Mary Yerks. Beautiful Savior
Repertoire for KidsRing
MASSED
Processional on All Things Bright and Beautiful, Page,
Choristers Guild CGB657, L1, 3-5 oct, 3 oct chimes
(Double choir. Staves for L1 and L2 in score.)
LEVEL 1
Best Christmas Medley Ever, John Dare, Concordia
977034, L2, 3-5 oct (includes both 2-3 & 3-5 oct scores)
A Joyous Song, Scheel, Red River Music RRBL5051, L1,
2-3 & 3-5 oct
LEVEL 2
Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence, Turner, Jeffers JHS9445,
L1+, 3-5 oct
Cantad al Senor, Geschke, Hope 2335, L3, 3-5 oct, opt perc
Clapper Chatter
Lutheran Church in Plymouth, MN will play host again.
Check-in and setup starts at 8:15 a.m., massed rehearsal
starts at 9 a.m. There will be some fun break-out classes
throughout the event with a mid-morning snack and a
pizza lunch provided. The event concludes with a free
public concert at 2:30 p.m. Each participating choir is
encouraged to perform one or two pieces during the final
concert. All this for only $15 per participant. Note: You do
not have to bring a full choir to participate in KidsRing!
It is evident every year that many social and ringing
transformations take place at this event. If you have any
questions, contact the Area Youth Event Planner, Sean
Johnson at YouthEvents@Area7.HandbellMusicians.org or
the event registrar, Carol Scheel nscarolida@yahoo.com,
612-418-4038. Updates are posted on the Area website.
Meet the clinician: Mary Yerks’ passion
is teaching music to students of all ages,
and finds it especially rewarding to see
a student grasp a new concept and then
convert that concept to music. With a
BA in music education with instrumental
music focus, Mary has been involved
in handbells for over 30 years, beginning as a ringer and
progressing to a director. She currently directs a 4-7th grade
group at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Plymouth
and the adult handbell choir at Messiah UMC in Plymouth,
Minnesota. Mary has been a member of both Bells of the
Lakes and Twin Cities Bronze, and recently completed
a Master Class in Festival Conducting. She also teaches
private lessons on piano, guitar, and woodwinds. Madison Area Concert Handbells, under the direction of Mark Bloedow, recently performed a lobby concert at the University of Wisconsin Hospital in Madison.
Clapper Chatter February 2012 | 9
Around the Area
Minnesota South News
By Ann Flisrand
A
s I have not had an opportunity to meet many of you
in the southern Minnesota area, let me invite you to
please send me information of what is going on in your
area, be it concerts, special programs at your church, or
special groups that may be playing in the area.
Here in Austin, our community bell choir, Ecumenical
Bells, has had a busy season playing for the Ernie Murphy
Memorial Concert at our historic Paramount Theatre, for a
nursing home, a senior residence, and the Hormel Institute
staff family Christmas party. The proceeds from the concert
went to cancer research at the Hormel Institute. The Hormel
Institute has scientists from throughout the world working
to find a cure. We enjoy the variety of places to play as we
meet new people and always seem to introduce bells to
some who have not heard them before. It is important to
get out into your community whenever possible.
South Dakota Update
H
eartland Handbells, the community bell choir in Sioux
Falls, played a concert with Prairie Song in November. It
was very well attended. We are looking forward to teaching
a chime class at the Center for Active Generations in
February, and visiting several nursing homes in the spring.
The Sioux Falls Area Handbell Festival was very successful.
We learned so much from Lee Afdahl! We also enjoyed the
ringers from The Inn on Westport who rang so beautifully.
The other end of the spectrum came from the 5th and 6th
grade ringers from Sioux Falls Christian. Our next festival
will be in the fall of 2013. Twas two weeks before
Christmas...
By Pat Penn
At Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, there is an annual
“Music Sunday” when all the music groups at the church
participate in a service of lessons and carols. At Westminster
Presbyterian, a bell ensemble played for the Christmas eve
service along with the choir and Presbyterian strings. On
Christmas morning the full bell choir played for the service.
... when the pastor decided he wanted handbells for
Christmas Eve. Actually, he wanted us to play "I Saw Three
Ships" with the choir the way we had played it for Mt. Marty
Vespers. However, there was not adequate time for our
choir to learn it, and many members of Bell Chorale were
going to be out of town.
I would love to meet with members in southern Minnesota
and would appreciate if you could also let me know
of groups that have bells but are not members. Since
everything in bells involves teamwork, we can become a
stronger team when we share with each other. If you would
like to have a workshop for your church or community,
contact me and we will see what we can work out. Contact
information is included in this issue and online. And feel
free to contact me directly at minnesotasouth@area7.
handbellmusicians.org.
So, the all-call went out for the alumni of the high school
bell choir, to see who could ring Christmas Eve. What luck!
We had 11 ringers from all over come back to play “Carol of
the Bells/God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” their very favorite
piece of all time! We had a ringer from Kentucky, Aberdeen
(SD), Minneapolis, Oklahoma, Sioux Falls, and even Paris,
France! What fun to play this great song again, with so
many happy, smiling, (young) faces. It was a gift for me and
the whole church. May 2012 provide many opportunities for ringing and an
opportunity to share our music. It is my hope that many of
you will be able to attend the Area 7 Festival Conference
in Duluth June 28-July 1. This is a wonderful opportunity
for networking, sight reading, and taking classes that will
help everyone grow, along with ringing with people from
throughout Area 7. Take photos of your next handbell event~
And submit a photo with a caption or short article to
the Clapper Chatter. Maybe you’re holding a clinic or
ringing en masse with another church. Are you playing
handbells some place out of the ordinary? Spread
the word about unique ways handbells can be used.
Handbells have played the national anthem at a baseball
game, entertained walkers at a Relay For Life event, rang
at Salvation Army buckets. Where have you played?
We want to know!
10 | February 2012 Clapper Chatter
Upcoming Events
DATE/TIME EVENT DESCRIPTION
Endorsed Event Sponsored Event Stay updated on all events at www.area7.handbellmusicians.org
LOCATION CLINICIAN CONTACT
(E)
(S)
February 10-11, 2012 Anthornis S
Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church Bill Alexander 5005 Northwest Blvd
Plymouth, Minnesota
Lynn Miller
lynnmillerhandbells@gmail.com
April 14, 2012 High School Handbell S Salem Lutheran Church
Monica McGowan Happening (HHH)90 Riverside Dr. SE
St. Cloud, Minnesota
Sean Johnson
youthevents@
area7.handbellmusicians.org
April 21, 2012 Eau Claire Area Ring
S
Salem Lutheran Church
Norma Lionberger 1005 Oxford Avenue
plus others
Eau Claire, Wisconsin
Norma Lionberger
lionsden34@sbcglobal.net
April 28, 2012 KidsRing S
Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church Mary Yerks 5005 Northwest Blvd
Plymouth, Minnesota
June 27-July 1, 2012 2012 Area 7 Festival
S
Conference
DECC
Duluth, Minnesota
Sean Johnson
youthevents@
area7.handbellmusicians.org
David Weck
Anita Fraundorf
Dr. John Behnkefestivalchair@
area7.handbellmusicians.org
Submit all your Local Events for inclusion on the website to Alanna Teragawa: events@area7.handbellmusicians.org.
Workshops and Concerts in the Area
Anthornis 2012 Concert
Saturday, February 11, 2012, 4:00 pm
Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, 5005 Northwest Blvd.,
Plymouth, MN
This massed-choir event consists of ringers from around
the area who want to challenge their ringing skills with
high-level music. Anthornis 2012 will be directed by
Bill Alexander, director of handbells from First United
Methodist Church in Duluth, MN, including the Strikepoint
handbell group. Free admission, open to the public.
St. Olaf Tour
The St. Olaf Handbell Choir will be on tour at the following
places in March. Free will offering admission. Contact: Jill
Mahr, mahrj@stolaf.edu, 507-645-4936.
Friday, March 2, 7:30 pm, Aldersgate United Methodist
Church, 3801 Wooddale Avenue South, St. Louis Park, MN
Saturday, March 3, 7:00 pm, Central Lutheran Church, 28
East Columbia Street, Chippewa Falls, WI
Sunday, March 4, 4:00 pm, Faith Lutheran Church, 1407
Main Street, La Crosse, WI
Monday, March 5, 8:15 pm, St. Olaf College, Urness Recital
Hall, 1520 St. Olaf Avenue, Northfield, MN
BellFest 2012: A Joyous Sound!
BellFest 2012: A Joyous Sound! will be held on Saturday,
March 10th, at North Heights Lutheran Church (www.nhlc.
org), 1700 Hwy 96 W Arden Hills, MN 55112.
Rehearsals will begin at 8:30 am, with a be a morning break,
lunch, and an afternoon concert. Expect a full day of fun
ringing!
BellFest Concert, 3:00 pm, Saturday, March 10
Both individual and group registration available online now
at: www.bellsofthelakes.org. Registration closes February
1st or when space runs out. Be sure to register early as
space fills up fast!
BellFest 2012 Repertoire: Entrata Esultate by Hart Morris;
Deep River, arr. Hart Morris; Capriccio No. 2 by Michael
Helman; Joy and Celebration by Lee Afdahl; and Jubilant
Song by Judy Phillips. Music can be purchased through
your favorite handbell music vendor.
Our Clinician: Hart Morris – a common name in the world of
handbells. Nearly every handbell ensemble has purchased,
played, and adored his published music. Hart joins us from
Tulsa, OK where he is Minister of Music at Asbury United
Methodist Church.
Questions? Please contact Nathan Burrows at
registrar@bellsofthelakes.org
Clapper Chatter February 2012 | 11
Twin Cities Bronze Seeks
News from
Artistic and Music Director Northern Minnesota
By Kevin Edstrom
A
The Twin Cities Bronze Board of Directors has announced
that Monica S. McGowan will be retiring as Artistic and
Music Director for Twin Cities Bronze effective
February 1, 2012.
s I am writing this article, the sounds of Christmas are
still echoing and the new year of 2012 is just days away.
It is hard to believe that fall has come and gone and spring
is knocking at our doors. I have realized that we are already
half way through our ringing season. My choir, the Salem
Ringers, from Salem Lutheran Church in Deerwood, MN,
has learned and performed 11 pieces of music and played
5 Sundays since the beginning of September, and they
will play 10 more pieces on 5 other Sundays from January
to May. We typically play once a month in worship with 2
anthems, normally prelude and offering.
Twin Cities Bronze is a performing ensemble of advanced
ringers from the metropolitan area that has been under the
artistic and music direction of McGowan for 12 years.
Why am I talking about what the Salem Ringers are doing?
Well, I would like to encourage everyone to share what their
handbell choirs are doing.
A search is underway for a new Artistic and Music Director,
and interested candidates can direct questions or send
resumes to the Search Committee at candidatesearch@
twincitiesbronze.org.
We have this wonderful publication from Area 7 called the
Clapper Chatter. Contact your subarea chairs and share
what your choir is doing. What challenges are you facing?
What joys do you want to share with others? Do you have a
concert you are preparing this spring? Does your choir have
a favorite piece you would like to share? Let’s make some
chatter in the Clapper Chatter!
Under McGowan’s directorship, the ensemble has toured
to France and all around the United States including Alaska
and Hawaii. McGowan has encouraged 45 members of the
ensemble over the years to experience and grow individual
skills in a unique ringing environment. She raises the bar
for each individual to grow their knowledge, musicianship
and ringing accomplishments at every rehearsal and every
performance.
McGowan will continue her Ringing Restorations business;
serve as the Handbell Coordinator at the International
Music Camp as well as lead and direct workshops and
festivals held across the nation by the Handbell Musicians
of America. She also plans to spend more time at “the
ranch” in South Dakota with her husband, Joe. Area 7 covers a large area. Sometimes we may feel that
we are just out there doing our own thing. Maybe other
handbell choirs are struggling to keep going, or maybe
others are eating up every challenge the director throws
at them. What is your choir/ensemble doing? Share it with
your Sub Area Chair and we can pass it along to the
Clapper Chatter. Arbor Bells Quartet played at the Christkindlsmarkt; a German Open Air
Christmas market in downtown Excelsior, MN during Thanksgiving weekend.
12 | February 2012 Clapper Chatter
Ringin’ & Singin’ the Hits!
R
emember all those great songs that you love to listen
to and hum or sing along with? They’re special because
they’re hits! Join Madison Area Concert Handbells (MACH),
with Director Mark Bloedow, for a fun afternoon of great
music featuring classical hits like Pachelbel’s Canon in D,
beloved inspirational songs and hymns including Amazing
Grace, and pop songs from the past and present such as
Rock Around the Clock and Enya’s Sail Away. Ringin’ & Singin’
the Hits! has them all and more…and, you’re invited to be a
part of the show by singin’, or hummin’ along with us!
Founded in 1997 by Music Director Emerita, Dr. Susan Udell,
MACH aims to entertain, educate, and inspire audiences
with high quality performances of handbell music. MACH
offers workshops for ringers and directors, encourages
public appreciation and interest in handbell music, and
provides educational and performance opportunities for
highly-skilled handbell ringers. In addition, the choir brings
the joy and beauty of its music to people with limited
access to live performances in hospitals, nursing homes,
and retirement communities.
About Madison Area Concert Handbells: MACH is an
auditioned community handbell choir based in Madison,
WI. The group, now in its 15th year of musical service to
the region and state, performs with over six octaves of
handbells and seven octaves of handchimes—thought to
be the largest assemblage of such instruments in Wisconsin.
As one of the nation's finest handbell choirs, MACH's ringers
share over 250 years of ringing experience under the
direction of the group's Music Director, Mark Bloedow.
MACH has performed at Wisconsin’s Sesquicentennial
Celebration, the Monona Terrace Convention Center, the
Elvehjem Museum of Art, Olbrich Gardens, Milwaukee’s
Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts, the Stoughton
Opera House, the Gard Theater in Spring Green, the
opening of Madison’s Overture Center, with the Madison
Symphony Orchestra at their Christmas concerts in 2000,
2003, 2004, and 2008; and at the Middleton Performing Arts
Center and Sinsinawa Mound, Sinsinawa, WI. Best Wishes, Monica!
A
fter 12 years as the Artistic and Music Director of the
auditioned-community ensemble, Twin Cities Bronze
(TCB), Monica McGowan stepped* down from that lofty
position after TCB’s Twelfth Night Concert held on Saturday,
January 7th.
Sung to the tune: “Build Me Up Buttercup”
* Monica literally “stepped down” right after the concert
intermission, which required seven stitches above her left eye.
She will make a complete recovery. 
But we’ve got to let you go,
CHORUS:
One of the verses:
We love you Monica
We’ve practiced ‘round the
clock to
We’ll miss ya’
To be with Freddie and Joe
But far or near,
prep for Jingle Bell Doc
[Severinsen]
Every year, to blow off his socks.
We’ll be here
We have traveled afar
to show the
You’ve just gotta’ drop a line.
world who we are,
At any time.
‘Cause of you,
So they know that we can
really rock.
Even though she’s retiring from Twin Cities Bronze, Monica
will remain a valued friend to the handbell community, by
continuing her successful handbell restoration business and
traveling the world as an experienced handbell professional
and clinician.
We’ve made so many
memories;
A trip to France and to
Tennessee,
You’re someone we’ll never
forget!
To Canada, and over to Hawaii,
We’re asking you,
We met Driver Dave,
got an aloha wave
After the January 7th concert, there was a reception held in
Monica’s honor. One of the TCB members, Maggie Sonsteby
adapted a well-known 60’s tune that was sung by all. Here’s
an excerpt:
Before our adieu,
met Carloses, too!
That many years as an artistic director is honor enough, but
perhaps some are not aware that Monica also served Area 7
as the Chairperson for 1-1/2 terms, from 1995-1998. Monica
continues to support and advocate Area and National
events with the same passion she had when she held an
Area and National office.
“HOW DO YOU DO IT?”
Clapper Chatter February 2012 | 13
H igh School H andbell H appening, A pril 14, 2012 R egistration F orm
Salem Lutheran Church, 95 Riverside Dr. SE, St. Cloud, MN
Director’s Name Director’s Phone
Director’s E-mail Address Church Name
Church City/State/Zip Membership #
Mailing Address (if different from above)
Are you bringing your own tables?  Yes  No
Number of feet of floor space needed for your tables ___________________
NOTE: There are a limited number of tables available onsite to rent for $5/per table.
Would your ensemble like to perform a solo number(s) (up to two) during the final concert?  Yes  No
SONG 1: Title
Publisher Arranger/Composer
SONG 2: Title
Publisher Arranger/Composer
# of Ringers/Directors: ______ x $15 = ________ Chaperones: ______ x $10 = ________ Tables: ________ x $5 = $____________
Lunch and snacks are included. Please make check payable to Area 7 Handbell Musicians of America: Total Enclosed $____________
NOTE: All ringers affiliated with an organization member are considered members. Non-Guild members, add $65 to cost of
registration fee. This will provide you with a 1-year membership in Handbell Musicians of America with all benefits.
Send registration form and check to: Lori Potter, Registrar, 982 Willow View Circle, Waite Park, MN 56387
For more information or questions, contact Lori at: Chair@Area7.HandbellMusicians.org, 320-248-3020.
Registration deadline is March 1, 2012. Refunds available only if the event is cancelled.
K ids R ing, A pril 28, 2012 R egistration F orm
Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, 5005 Northwest Blvd., Plymouth, MN
Director’s Name Director’s Phone
Director’s E-mail Address Church Name
Church City/State/Zip Membership #
Mailing Address (if different from above)
Are you bringing your own tables?  Yes  No
Number of feet of floor space needed for your tables ___________________
Ringing division:  Level 1  Level 2
NOTE: There are a limited number of tables available onsite to rent for $5/per table.
Would your ensemble like to perform a solo number(s) (up to two) during the final concert?  Yes  No
SONG 1: Title
Publisher Arranger/Composer
SONG 2: Title
Publisher Arranger/Composer
# of Ringers/Directors: ______ x $15 = ________ Chaperones: ______ x $10 = ________ Tables: ________ x $5 = $____________
Lunch and snacks are included. Please make check payable to Area 7 Handbell Musicians of America: Total Enclosed $____________
NOTE: All ringers affiliated with an organization member are considered members. Non-Guild members, add $65 to cost of
registration fee. This will provide you with a 1-year membership in Handbell Musicians of America with all benefits.
Send registration form and check to: Carol Scheel, Registrar, 7209 Morgan Avenue South, Richfield, MN 55423
For more information or questions, contact Carol at: nscarolida@yahoo.com, 612-861-0029.
Registration deadline is April 1, 2012. Refunds available only if the event is cancelled.
Wish Upon a Wedding
14 | February 2012 Clapper Chatter
Begins Minnesota Chapter
By Sandy Mullaney
A
n August 2011 article in the Star Tribune caught my
attention: “Wish Upon a Wedding” was beginning a
chapter in Minnesota. Officially launched in January of
2010, this unique nonprofit organization provides wedding
and vow renewals to people facing terminal illness. Wish
Upon a Wedding is a nationwide 501(c) (3) organization
with hopes of having 30 chapters across the United States
by the end of 2012. Their work of wish-granting “celebrates
the courage, determination and spirit of couples in love
during their most challenging times.”
The new Minnesota chapter will grant wishes to couples
who want to get married within 250 miles of Minneapolis.
Couples must be over 18, unmarried, legal citizens of the
United States, where at least one individual has been
diagnosed with having less than five years to live. Wishes
are also available for a limited number of couples who have
endured serious life-altering circumstances. In addition,
a limited number of Vow Renewal Wishes are available to
qualifying married couples.
Are you curious about what Wish Upon a Wedding has to
do with us as handbell players? Read on...
Vendors of all sorts donate their services to provide couples
with a day filled with wonderful memories. A wedding
planner steps up to coordinate all the details large and
small, so the couple can focus on managing their illness and
attending to their treatments. All aspects of the ceremony
are covered including wedding attire, flowers, invitations,
photography, cake, music...
Music! That's where you & I might come in. Does the idea of
helping grant a wish of a special, memorable wedding day
to a couple facing greater challenges than many of us can
possibly imagine inspire you? Would you like to volunteer
to play bells at a Wish Upon a Wedding event in the Twin
Cities metro area? Do you ring with a duet, trio or other
small ensemble which could be available for this ministry
of music?
If so, please visit http://wishuponawedding.org to learn
more about the world's first nonprofit Wedding Wish
granting organization, and how you might get involved. Lord, teach me to listen.
The times are noisy and my ears are weary
with the thousand raucous sounds
which continuously assault them.
Give me the spirit of the boy Samuel when
he said to you ,
“Speak, for your servant hears.”
Let me hear you speaking in my heart.
Arbor Bells Quartet played at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in
December. Afterward, they visited several Salvation Army Red Kettles and
played for the ringers to thank them for volunteering their time to ring in the
cold weather. Pictured left to right: Tess Krulick, Linnea Fitzpatrick, Lynn Miller,
and Sue Schwartz.
Let me get used to the sound of your voice,
that its tones may be familiar when the
sounds of earth die away
and the only sound will be the
music of your speaking.
Amen.
— A.W. Tozer
Clapper Chatter February 2012 | 15
Opportunities Abound!
Utilize the Area 7 Media Resources
By Al Marquardt
H
ave you ever looked in the Clapper Chatter at all
of the wonderful workshops and seminars put on by
Area 7 and said, “Oh, how I wish I could go to that, but just
can’t make it.” Well, you have opportunities along with
attending these events to learn from other Area 7 resources.
We have an extensive library of training and teaching
materials that can be yours to borrow for the asking. Please
see below for the list of resources from Area 7.
All you have to do is contact Al Marquardt, Past Chair
of Area 7 with your requests. His email address is
pastchair@area7.handbellmusicians.org or
amarquar@charter.net.
He will send the requested materials right out. Once you
are finished with them, simply send them back. It’s that
easy. Let us know how we can help make your directing
and ringing experiences positive ones. Hope to hear from
you soon! AREA VII MEDIA RESOURCES
Media #
DESCRIPTION
Media #
INSTRUCTIONAL:
DESCRIPTION
INSTRUCTIONAL:
100
BELL BASICS - Weck & Berry - Instructional
111
FACING THE MUSIC - Copyright Laws
101
SUCCESSFUL RINGING - Step by Step - Dr. John Behnke
112
SOUND ADVICE FROM MALMARK - instructional
102
SONGS FOR THE SOLO RINGER – Anderson & Weck
113
103
DEVELOPING SKILLS FOR SOLO & ENSEMBLE RINGING -Jessup &
Caulkins
114
104
RINGING IN SMALL ENSEMBLES - Keller
115
105
CHRISTINE ANDERSON IN CONCERT - Solo Handbells
107
BEGINNING HANDBELL RINGING - Don Allured
400
CONDUCTING FROM THE INSIDE OUT: Gesture &
Movement - Allan McMurray
108
CONDUCTING FROM THE INSIDE OUT: Gesture & Movement Allan McMurray
401
THE ANATOMY OF CONDUCTING: Architecture and
Essentials – Jordan & Corporon
109
BELLS, YES I CAN! - Morstad - Use of bells with the
developmentally disabled/special needs ringers
402
THE INNER GAME OF MUSIC – Barry Green
110
WOODSON HANDBELL CHOIR - promo of program for special
needs ringers-Abilene, Texas
403
EVOKING SOUND: Body Mapping and Basic Conducting –
Jordan & Buchanan
CHOIRCHIMES-Musical Instruments for All Ages - Dr. Paul
Rosene - instructional
THE HANDBELL WORKSHOP: Care & Maintenance of
Schulmerich Handbells and Melody Chimes - Junkert
AGEHR 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION - 20004 Norfolk,
VA set of 2DVDs
FOR CONDUCTORS
TEMPO SETTER SERIES: Chats with Prominent People in the
Handbell Community
TO STRIVE FOR: videos of professional handbell
ensembles
200
with Donald Allured
213
with Richard Litterst
300
201
with Elizabeth Bradford
214
with Jake Malta
301
202
with David Davidson
215
with Willard Markey
302
203
with Lawrence Fink
216
with Mary McCleary
303
204
with Andrew Flanagan
207
with Scott Parry
304
205
with Daniel Hermany
208
with Ellen Jane Lorenz Porter
305
206
with Everett J Hilty
218
with Marvin Reecher
306
210
with Robert Ivey
209
with James Salzwedel
211
with Jacques Kearns
219
with Nancy Poore Tufts
212
with Mary Kettelhut
217
with Doris Watson
STRIKEPOINT - THROUGH THE RINGER - W. Alexander,
Duluth, MN
CLASSICAL BELLS IN CONCERT - Livonia, MI - Darlene
Ebersole
ALIVE! - Concert by the Glee Handbell Choir, Japan Katsumi Kodama
TINKLING HANDBELLS - Concert by the Echo Ringers,
Japan - Kodama
CAMPANILE IN CONCERT
RING OF FIRE - Tualatin Valley Junior Academy, Oregon Jason Wells
ONE WINTER EVENING AT MEYMANDI - Raleigh Ringers,
David Harris
PREVIOUS FESTIVAL CONFERENCES & YOUNG
RINGERS FESTIVALS — 1982 through 2008
INSTRUCTIONS
Mail/e-mail your request to:
 List the number(s) of the resource(s) you would like to receive.
_________________________________________________
 Return the media within two weeks by first-class mail. Enclose a
Clapper Chatter
Area 7 Handbell Musicians of America
601 Lyman Place, Excelsior, MN 55331
Next
Clapper Chatter
Deadline:
March 1, 2012
This roundtrip itinerary from Fort Lauderdale, Florida includes calls in Aruba, Antilles & Bahamas.
Price includes all Bells of the Cascades’ activities, a hosted cocktail party, meals
and entertainment aboard the ship, and all taxes and port charges.
On December 16 and 17, 2011, The Madison Area Concert Handbells
performed Jingle Bell Jazz & More II! at the Middleton Performing
Arts Center. The evenings were filled with special music of the season,
from traditional carols to jazzy new settings. The fine acoustics and
great music of the season created special Christmas memories for all.
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Next issue of the Clapper Chatter:
April 2012